Gas prices shorten some RV trips

Despite high fuel costs, RV shipments are up 15 percent, a report stated.
By ZACH STIPE
VINDICATOR STAFF WRITER
Cheryl and Bill Salisbury traveled out West in their recreational vehicle three years ago but won't be taking another long-distance RV trip anytime soon.
"We haven't planned any extensive trips," Cheryl Salisbury said. "[Gas prices] have to do with it. Especially if it goes up more."
The couple would like to take another trip across the United States but said, "We couldn't afford it now."
RV ownership has reached record levels. According to the Recreation Vehicle Industry Association, nearly one in 12 U.S. vehicle-owning households now owns an RV. But gas prices have caused RV enthusiasts to shorten their trips and keep their vehicles parked longer.
"[RV owners] are adjusting," RVIA Public Relations Manager Rachel Parsons said. "[Fuel costs] are always a concern for any travel industry."
Parsons said RV owners may plan to stay longer in one place or stay closer to home.
"They may go to a place that's 100 miles away instead of 1,000 miles away," she added.
Which is exactly what the Salisburys, of Akron, are doing. The couple are vacationing at Philabaun's Hidden Cove Resort in Deerfield this week.
Dealing with costs
Debbie Philabaun, owner of the resort, is noticing more area people populating Philabaun's, as well as more campers keeping their RVs parked for a longer time because of fuel costs.
"There are a lot more local people coming around this year," Philabaun said. "More people are getting seasonal sites."
Campers at Lakeside Campgrounds in Berlin Center agreed.
"[You] take all of your vacation money and spend it on gas," said James Wilson, who is keeping a site at the campground instead of traveling across the country.
"I'm from Tennessee, and I can't hardly go there anymore because of gas," Wilson, of Northfield said. "I used to go all the time. I can't go nowhere now."
Peggy Smith said gas prices have affected her travel plans, too.
"I do have a tendency to come out here and stay," said Smith, of Canal Fulton, from the campground. "It's way cheaper to come out here."
In the past Smith traveled to various places as far as Florida via car or RV but now thinks that it's almost cheaper to fly.
Because of fuel costs, Smith said RV vacationing is "fast becoming a thing for the rich."
Moving on
A PKF Consulting Study done for RVIA refutes Smith's claims. The recent study found that "typical RV family vacations are on average 26 to 74 percent less expensive than other types of vacations studied."
The study found that fuel prices would need to triple to make RV vacationing more expensive for a family of four than other forms of travel, such as airplane or cruise ship.
RV sales seem unfazed by gas prices, as well.
Joe Brunk, owner of Brunk's Stoves and R.V. Sales in Salem, said RV sales have been down slightly, but doesn't attribute it to gas costs.
"We have seen a softening of sales," Brunk said, blaming lesser sales on the Youngstown area's declining auto industry.
A recent RVIA report found that factory-to-dealer shipments are on the rise, as well.
"RV shipments are up 15 percent through May 2006," Parsons said." The industry is holding its own."